Honoring all who served. (Clockwise from top left) Photo: Deposit Photos; The U.S. Coast Guard Band performs during the 68th National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Nov. 11, 2021. Photo: Elizabeth Fraser; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Photo: Deposit Photo; Retired Marine Corps Cpl. Dorothee Irwin, a World War II veteran, sits with her family during the 26th annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade in Palm Springs, Calif., Nov. 11, 2023. Photo: Marine Corps Cpl. Breanna Eason.
Each year on November 11, 2025, Americans mark Veterans Day — a federal holiday dedicated to recognizing the service of men and women in uniform. The day offers another important moment to pause, reflect, and engage with our veteran community in meaningful ways.
For the Healthy Aging® readers, Veterans Day offers a meaningful chance to connect across generations, strengthen community bonds, and participate in healthy, socially meaningful activities. Whether attending a local event, walking a memorial trail, taking part in a ceremony, or volunteering, these actions promote mobility, mental engagement, and intergenerational connections. Recognizing veterans also highlights values of resilience, service, and contribution — themes key to active aging and lifelong community involvement.
Historical Roots
For many of us, we think of World War II veterans and, sadly, for many just a day for shopping Veteran’s Day sales.
However, the holiday traces its origins to Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918 — “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” In 1938, U.S. law designated November 11 as a legal holiday to commemorate the cessation of hostilities.
After the country emerged from World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ service organizations pushed to broaden the meaning of the day. In 1954, the U.S. Congress amended the law, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” thereby honoring all U.S. military veterans, in peace and in war.
Although the holiday was observed in October for a few years under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, its official observance returned to November 11 in 1978.
Today, the official observance is held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where, at exactly 11:00 a.m., a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is followed by remarks and a presentation of colors.
Why Veterans Day Matters
While Memorial Day honors those who died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces — living or deceased. It’s a day not only for gratitude, but also for understanding the broader contributions and sacrifices veterans have made in safeguarding freedom, stability, and national service.
In 2025, communities across the U.S. will host ceremonies, parades, speeches, family-friendly celebrations and more.
Here are several recognized groups that offer guidance on how to honor Veterans Day respectfully and meaningfully:
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – the federal agency charged with veterans’ affairs; its website provides a history of the holiday, guidelines for observance, and lists of official events. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) | USAGov
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – a major veterans service organization that in 2025 issued a statement honoring all who have served and providing suggestions for community recognition. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. – VFW
- Military.com – offers updated event listings and ideas for participation (both in-person and virtual) across the country. Military and Veteran Benefits, News, Veteran Jobs | Military.com
Ways to Celebrate and Show Appreciation
Here are practical ideas aligned with healthy aging, community engagement, and gratitude:
- Attend a local event or parade. Many towns and cities, as well as states, host parades and ceremonies on November 11.
- Visit a veterans’ memorial or museum. For example, many facilities offer free admission for veterans around Veterans Day.
- Fly or display the U.S. flag. The Presidential proclamation for 2025 calls on federal, state and local authorities—and citizens—to display the flag and engage in patriotic activities. The White House
- Volunteer or donate. Consider supporting a veterans-service organization locally: helping with outreach, mentoring a veteran, or contributing to care packages.
- Listen and learn. Invite a veteran to speak at a gathering (church, club, neighborhood) about their service or attend a community “Wall of Honor” event. Instilling awareness across the 45+ audience can reinforce generational ties.
- Acts of kindness. Whether offering a veteran a meal or simply sending a letter of thanks to someone who served, small gestures matter. Many restaurants and businesses worldwide offer special freebies or discounts for veterans on Nov. 11.
Let us embrace Veterans Day not just as a day off or a parade, but as a chance to reflect, connect and act. Whether you quietly pause at 11:00 a.m., raise the flag, attend a ceremony, or reach out to a veteran, each gesture honors hundreds of thousands of Americans who served our nation.
Together we remember the past, appreciate the present, and help build a future where service, aging, and community engagement go hand in hand.
